If you showed someone with no hobby experience the current content being made in the hobby, one would assume that the sky is falling. If you are active in the sports card social media space, you often see influencers and collectors giving their thoughts on the market. If you weren't in the card space itself, your takeaway from seeing one of these post would likely leave you ill-informed. It is true that the Luka Doncic's National Treasures Rookie Patch Autos are down but the conversation should be, should they have ever gotten that high to begin with. Considering all the parallels National Treasures RPA's have, with one if not multiple appearing on an auction house every month... Can they be considered grail cards if they are so easily attainable?

April 20th, 2023 a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Dennis Rodman 1/1 #80 BGS 8.5 NM-MT sold for $81,000. A Dennis Rodman card selling for $81,000 in todays market does not line up with the narrative of the market crashing down. This card is the highest selling card in Rodman history despite there being no logoman, autograph, patch, or Michael Jordan. This 1998 Ultra card sold for $81,000 because of the value the collectors attatch to this set.

This card in its truest essence is a grail card, with a plethora of things collectors love. Firstly Fleer Ultra is an iconic set and the masterpiece 1/1 parallels are the creme de la creme of Fleer Ultra.

The pursuit of grails can also be driven by a sense of community among collectors with every collector trying to level up for lack of a better term. Majority of collectors who are purchasing these cards share their passion for the hobby online,  at card stores, and other card shows. The excitement of discovering a grail card can be shared with other collectors, creating a sense of camaraderie and connection within the community.

Grails are often seen as a symbol of achievement for collectors. Obtaining a grail card can be a long and difficult process, requiring patience, persistence, and a bit of luck. For some collectors, the satisfaction of finally obtaining a coveted grail card is worth all the time and effort they put into the hobby.